IPL 2025 Who Will Finish in the Top Two GT RCB PBKS or MI
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has entered its most thrilling phase as Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) have officially secured their places in the playoffs. While all four teams are celebrating qualification, the race to finish in the top two is more intense than ever.
In the IPL playoffs, finishing in the top two provides a massive advantage. These teams face each other in Qualifier 1, and even if they lose, they get a second chance to reach the final through Qualifier 2. With this edge at stake, let’s break down each team’s chances.
⸻
1. Gujarat Titans – Once the Favorites, Now in a Must-Win Situation
Current Position: 1st (18 Points, NRR: +0.602)
Remaining Match: vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans were looking unbeatable earlier in the season. However, their recent 33-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants has significantly dented their top-two hopes. Their net run rate (NRR) dropped from +0.795 to +0.602, tightening the competition.
What They Need:
• Win vs CSK: This will take them to 20 points, keeping them in contention.
• Favorable Results Elsewhere: They still need either RCB or PBKS to lose at least one match for guaranteed top-two status.
• If they lose to CSK, their spot in the top two becomes highly vulnerable.
Verdict:
Still in control of their fate, but not entirely. One win is crucial, but help from others is needed.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Consistency Could Finally Pay Off
Current Position: 2nd (17 Points, NRR: Behind GT & MI)
Remaining Matches: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have enjoyed a steady run this season. With 17 points and two matches to go, they are well positioned for a top-two finish.
What They Need:
• Win Both Matches: Guarantees them a place in the top two with 21 points.
• Win One, Lose One: Still in contention, but will need either GT or PBKS to lose a game.
• Lose Both: They drop out of the top two and move to either third or fourth.
Verdict:
RCB’s qualification chances are strong. Their destiny is mostly in their own hands—win both and they’re in.
⸻
3. Punjab Kings – A Historic Top-Two Spot Within Reach
Current Position: 3rd (17 Points, NRR: Lower than GT, MI, RCB)
Remaining Matches: vs Delhi Capitals (DC), vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, PBKS have made a stunning turnaround. With 17 points from 12 games, they have two matches remaining and a top-two finish is within sight.
What They Need:
• Win Both Matches: They reach 21 points but still need RCB or GT to lose one match due to an inferior NRR.
• Win One, Lose One: A top-two spot becomes unlikely.
• Lose Both: They will enter the playoffs as either third or fourth.
Verdict:
PBKS will need more than just wins—they must win big or hope for slip-ups from others.
4. Mumbai Indians – Slim Chances But Not Impossible
Current Position: 4th (16 Points, NRR: Better than RCB and PBKS)
Remaining Match: vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The five-time champions Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are on the edge of the top-two race. A loss against PBKS ends all hopes. However, a big win can keep the dream alive.
What They Need:
• Win vs PBKS: They reach 18 points.
• Other Results: Need GT to lose to CSK and RCB to lose both games. Only then can MI sneak into the top two.
• Loss to PBKS: They will finish fourth and play the Eliminator.
Verdict:
MI’s chances are the slimmest of the lot. A convincing win and a miracle of results elsewhere are their only hope.
5. Net Run Rate: The Silent Game-Changer
With points margins so tight, Net Run Rate (NRR) is acting as the invisible force driving final rankings. Here’s how the NRR situation stacks up:
• Gujarat Titans: +0.602 (Strong cushion, but one loss can undo it)
• Mumbai Indians: Slightly behind GT, ahead of RCB and PBKS
• RCB and PBKS: Lagging in NRR, so must focus on big wins
⸻
6. Final Prediction: Who Will Secure the Top Two?
Considering current form, fixtures, and NRR, here’s a realistic prediction:
• 1st Place Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
With games against SRH and LSG, RCB has the firepower to finish strong.
• 2nd Place Prediction: Gujarat Titans
Despite the loss to LSG, GT can still bounce back if they beat CSK and get lucky with other results.
That means Qualifier 1 may see a showdown between RCB vs GT, while PBKS and MI head to the Eliminator.
⸻
7. Conclusion: High Stakes, High Drama in IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 playoff race is poised for a nail-biting finish. While all four teams have made it to the next stage, the battle to secure a top-two position is far from over. Gujarat Titans, despite a stellar start, now find themselves in a vulnerable spot. RCB and PBKS are peaking at the right time, while Mumbai Indians are clinging to hope.
As fans await the final league matches, one thing is clear — the fight for the top two will deliver edge-of-the-seat excitement till the very last ball.
